One of the most respected & liked umpires in International Cricket; David Shepherd was born & bred in Devon. Instantly recognisable, and is possibly best known for his aversion of the dreaded Nelson, but that disguises the fact he is a fair and competent official, as shown by the fact he stood in three successive World Cup Finals (1996 1999 2003) and six tournaments overall.

He was appointed a first class umpire in 1981 and the speed of his elevation to the International stage was evidence of his ability and regard in which he was, and still is, held.

First Class Batting Averages

Matches           Inns      No        Runs     Hs        Ave      100       50

282                   476       40         10672   153       24.47    12         55

First Class Bowling Averages

Matches           Balls     Runs     Wkts    bbi        Ave      Econ     Sr

282                   196       106       2          1/1        53.00    3.24      98.00

Umpiring Statistics

Test Debut        England v Australia        Manchester August 1-6 1985

Last Test          West Indies v Pakistan  Kingston July 3-7 2005

Test Matches    92

ODI Debut       Pakistan v Sri Lanka       Swansea June 9 1983

Last ODI          England v Australia        The Oval July 12 2005

ODI Matches    172

Officiated in:

Cricket has lost its Falstaff, David Shepherd, full-bodied in good nature and girth, retired from the game at the end of the 2005 season. The game internationally is going to miss his infectious humanity, his sense of fun never to far away, and his old fashion regard for integrity.

“Shep” is now on the After-Dinner circuit, as always giving something back to his beloved game. An ideal opportunity for Cricket enthusiasts to hear the inside story of what it was like seeing some of the greatest Cricket legends in action, Botham, Lara, and Warne to name but a few, accompanied by his good old Devonian sense of humour, will be a night to remember.